Quickcode.ai is a software-platform company that specializes in AI-powered trade compliance and tariff classification tools for importers, manufacturers, logistics firms, and compliance teams. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Quickcode.ai CEO Shannon Hynds to gain a deeper understanding of the company.
Shannon Hynds’ Background
Tell me about your background. Hynds said:
“I have a background in software engineering, with over two decades of experience working with both government agencies and private sector companies. Prior to founding Quickcode, I led enterprise-level tech modernization initiatives and have witnessed firsthand the challenges organizations faced in maintaining trade compliance amidst evolving regulations.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for Quickcode come together? Hynds shared:
“Quickcode began as an AI-first company, building advanced text classification tools for the U.S. Intelligence Community—essentially helping them make sense of large volumes of unstructured text. We were introduced to the world of trade compliance through a customs broker, who opened our eyes to the industry’s growing challenges: a shrinking workforce, increasing complexity in goods and tariff structures, and a noticeable lag in technology adoption compared to other sectors. That conversation sparked the idea to apply our AI expertise to help trade professionals keep up with constant regulatory change. We built a platform that uses AI to help Trade Compliance Specialists identify critical compliance data and potential risks within their product catalogs.”
Core Products
What are Quickcode’s core products and features? Hynds explained:
“Quickcode offers an AI-powered platform designed specifically for trade compliance workflows. Key features include:
- Compliance Audits: The platform conducts audits to identify existing compliance risks in product catalogs.
- Regulatory Checks: Quickcode assists in checking for issues related to reciprocal, IEEPA, 301 aand 232 tariffs, Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), Antidumping/Countervailing Duties (AC/CVD), and more.
- Product Classification: Utilizing explainable AI, Quickcode aids in classifying new products by providing access to resources like the HTS Schedule, CROSS Rulings, and WCO Notes.
- Continuous Monitoring: The platform continuously monitors for regulatory updates, ensuring that product catalogs remain compliant over time.
- Product Database Integration: Users can upload their product catalogs via spreadsheets or integrate with their ERP systems to synchronize data.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector recently, and how did you overcome those challenges? Hynds acknowledged:
“The current tariff environment presents ongoing challenges. To address this, Quickcode’s platform is designed to stay updated with daily changes from sources like CROSS and the unpredictable and frequent updates to the HTSUS from the USITC. Our AI-driven approach ensures that users are alerted to changes that may affect their compliance status, allowing for timely interventions.”
“Additionally, the recent escalation of tariffs under President Trump’s administration has significantly disrupted the trade outlook, particularly affecting businesses and manufacturers. The imposition of sweeping tariffs, including a 145%+ levy on Chinese imports and a blanket 10% on all others, has led to widespread economic anxiety and market instability. This environment of uncertainty has compelled companies to reassess their supply chains and cost structures. For instance, Albertsons, a major supermarket chain, has warned suppliers against passing on tariff-related cost increases, highlighting the pressure on businesses to absorb additional expenses.”
“In response to these challenges, Quickcode has been instrumental in helping businesses navigate the complex and rapidly changing tariff landscape. Our platform offers 24/7 compliance monitoring, ensuring that product catalogs are always aligned with the latest tariff codes and regulations. Quickcode’s AI-driven tools provide real-time updates on changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Chapter 99 tariffs, and other critical compliance areas. This proactive approach enables businesses to identify and address compliance risks promptly, avoiding costly delays and penalties.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Hynds noted:
“Since its inception, Quickcode has evolved from a basic compliance tool to a comprehensive platform that integrates AI for enhanced decision making. We’ve expanded our features to include more robust auditing capabilities, real-time monitoring, and deeper integration options with existing enterprise systems, guaranteeing that our users have a seamless experience.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of Quickcode’s most significant milestones? Hynds cited:
“Some notable milestones include:
- Client Success: Assisting companies like Jaguar Land Rover, Bass Pro Shops, Madison Industries, and others have streamlined their compliance processes using Quickcode. .
- Platform Enhancements: Introducing features like explainable AI for product classification and real-time compliance monitoring We’ve added tariff codes and rates for 160+ countries. .Industry Recognition: We’ve been awarded the prestigious Supply Chain Innovation Award (SCIA) and the Journal of Supply Chain’s Innovative Award for AI. The biggest industry recognition comes from the positive testimonials of our customers and colleagues. .”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Hynds about customer success stories, she highlighted:
“Quickcode has partnered with Magaya to provide their customers with access to our AI-assisted classification module, now integrated into the Magaya AI Broker Assistant. This integration allows users to quickly and easily identify tariff codes and access product-specific tariff data, with AI guiding them to the right compliance information in a fraction of the time”
Revenue/Funding
When asking Hynds about the company’s revenue, she revealed:
“Quickcode is venture backed, and we’re very lucky to have a group of experienced VC supporting us, including DataTribe, PS27 Ventures, and Buckhorn Capital Group. This funding has helped to propel our growth, which is also driven by the increasing demand for efficient trade compliance solutions. Our focus remains on reinvesting in our technology and expanding our reach to serve more clients effectively.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Hynds assessed:
“Quickcode is addressing trade compliance needs of the $3 trillion manufacturing and importer market. The trade compliance software TAM for this sector is about $3 billion.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates Quickcode from its competition? Hynds affirmed:
“Quickcode stands out due to its focus on explainable AI tailored for trade compliance. Unlike generic tools, our platform integrates all essential legal sources into a single interface, allowing users to classify products with confidence and ease. Additionally, our continuous monitoring ensures that clients stay ahead of any potential regulatory changes.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Hynds concluded:
“Looking ahead, Quickcode plans to:
- We’re preparing to add Denied Party and Forced Labor Screening to the platform.
- Enhance DevSecOps Integration: Improving our integration capabilities to ensure seamless compliance workflows within existing development and operations pipelines.
- Strengthen Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with ERP providers, Global Trade Management SaaS, and E-commerce Platform providers to broaden our reach and offer more comprehensive solutions to our clients.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Hynds concluded:
“One aspect that I like to emphasize is that modernization isn’t just about technology, it’s about empowering people. Whether it’s helping developers spend more time innovating or enabling organizations to serve customers better, our work at Quickcode is about unlocking human potential, and that’s the part I’m most proud of.”
